Wayanad's plantation tourism: A journey through tea estates, British bungalows, and more

Meppadi: Wayanad, known for its picturesque tea plantations, lush hills, and stunning valleys, is seeing the revival of plantation tourism and adventure tourism. The region, once a thriving hub for visitors, faced a major setback due to natural disasters earlier this year. However, with continuous efforts from state tourism authorities and private estate owners, tourists are returning to Wayanad, bringing hope to the area’s economy.

Tourism revival in Wayanad after setback

Estate managements are now focusing on reviving plantation tourism and adventure tourism, with several key estates reopening their doors to travellers. Malayalam Plantation, which oversees several estates in Wayanad, is offering a range of exciting activities to attract tourists. These include visits to the tea museum, tea factory tours, and stays in charming old British bungalows. Adventure activities like zip-lining, skycycling, giant wing rides, glass bridge, children’s park, and a variety of outdoor experiences are also available across estates like Sentinel Rock, Achoor, and others.

Tourism losses and job creation

Before the disaster, Wayanad's tourism sector was thriving, but the July landslides led to a daily loss of Rs 1 crore in tourism revenue. With the return of tourists, estate managements are working hard to generate income and create jobs. Currently, 150 local people are employed directly or indirectly at HML, and more job opportunities are expected as tourism picks up again. Since 2017, HML has been at the forefront of plantation tourism in the region, and they are hopeful that the industry will continue to grow.

Closure of Attamala glass bridge

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Wayanad, the glass bridge at Attamala, has been closed since the disaster. Despite its popularity, the bridge has not reopened due to government restrictions, with entry banned by the revenue department. The estate management has requested permission to reopen the bridge, and officials hope tourists will be able to visit the site again by the end of November.

After crossing Chooralmabridge, which was severely damaged in the disaster, travellers can proceed two kilometres to reach Attamala. While workers have been visiting the tea plantations here in recent days, tourists are still not allowed. Despite the estate management submitting a request to the District Disaster Management Authority, permission to reopen the tourist centre has not yet been granted.

The estate management is also eager to open up vacant, habitable bungalows and quarters to visitors in an effort to boost local income. Prior to the disaster, the site attracted 300 to 500 tourists daily.